Blockchain is a decentralized peer-to-peer network that allows for transparent and immutable record keeping without a central authority. It uses a distributed ledger system stored across nodes in the network where transactions are grouped into blocks and linked in a chain. Each new block contains a hash of the previous block, making it difficult to tamper with transaction records once added to the chain. Miners work to verify transactions and add new blocks to the chain in exchange for rewards in bitcoin or transaction fees.